Purchasing a house, from a Feng Shui perspective

 Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of spatial harmony, teaches us to align our living spaces with natural energies to promote balance, prosperity, and well-being. In a vibrant multicultural city like Melbourne, where diverse traditions intersect, these principles offer valuable insights—whether you’re a firm believer or simply curious about alternative perspectives on home design.

If you’re considering Feng Shui when purchasing a property, here are key principles to guide your decision:

1. Location and Surroundings

• Avoid Negative Energy Sources: Steer clear of houses near cemeteries,  hospitals, police stations, or landfills, as these are believed to carry negative energy.
• Natural Surroundings: Look for homes with supportive natural features, such as  gentle hills behind the house (symbolizing stability) and open spaces in      front (allowing Qi to flow).
• Roads and Traffic: Avoid houses at the end of a T-junction or where roads      point directly at the property, as this is thought to create harsh energy.

2. Shape and Layout

• Regular Shapes: Choose homes with regular, symmetrical shapes (square or rectangular) as they promote balance and stability.
• Missing Corners: Avoid houses with missing corners or irregular layouts, as these can create imbalances in specific life areas (e.g., health, wealth, relationships).
• Open  and Flowing Space: Ensure the floor plan allows for smooth movement and doesn’t feel cramped or cluttered.

3. Front Door and Entrance

• Strong  Front Door: The front door is considered the "mouth of Qi,"  so it should be well-maintained, proportional, and inviting.
• Clear Pathway: Ensure the path to the front door is unobstructed and welcoming, allowing positive energy to enter.
• Avoid  Direct Alignment: The front door should not align directly with the  back door or windows, as Qi may flow out too quickly.

4. Kitchen and Stove Placement

• Kitchen  Location: The kitchen should not be directly visible from the front door, as this is believed to cause financial instability.
• Stove Position: The stove represents wealth and nourishment, so it should be placed in a commanding position (where the cook can see the door but is      not directly in line with it).

5. Bedroom Placement

• Commanding  Position: The bed should be placed diagonally opposite the door,  allowing a clear view of the entrance without being directly in line with      it.
• Avoid Overhead Beams: Beams above the bed are thought to create oppressive energy and should be avoided.
• Balanced Energy: Ensure the bedroom is calm, clutter-free, and has balanced lighting.

6. Bathroom Placement

• Avoid Central Locations: Bathrooms should not be in the center of the house, as this is believed to drain energy.
• Keep Doors Closed: Always keep bathroom doors closed and lids down to prevent energy from flowing away.

7. Natural Light and Airflow

• Good Lighting: A house with ample natural light is considered to have      strong, positive energy.
• Proper Ventilation: Ensure the house has good airflow to allow Qi to      circulate freely.

8. Historical Energy

• Previous Owners: Research the history of the house and its previous occupants. Avoid properties with a history of negative events (e.g., bankruptcy, divorce, or death).
• Renovation Potential: If the house has negative energy, consider whether renovations or Feng Shui adjustments (e.g., mirrors, plants, or water features) can improve its energy.

9. Personal Compatibility

• Kua Number: Use your Kua number (based on your birth year and gender) to determine favourable directions and house orientations.
• Facing  Direction: Choose a house whose main door faces one of your auspicious      directions.

10. Intuition and Feel

• Trust   Your Gut: Pay attention to how you feel when you enter the house. A positive, welcoming feeling is a good sign, while discomfort or unease may indicate poor Feng Shui.

Tips for Improving Feng Shui After Purchase

• Declutter and clean the space thoroughly.
• Use mirrors, plants, and water features to enhance energy flow.
• Incorporate the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) to create balance.
• Consult a professional Feng Shui expert for personalized advice.

By considering these principles, you can choose a home that aligns with Feng Shui practices and supports a harmonious, prosperous life.

Acknowledgement

This article was prepared with the expert guidance of Vincent Choi from Rptecture Architects who has over 35 years of experience. As an architect with an Asian heritage, I consulted his specialised knowledge during my research. It was enlightening to learn how he seamlessly incorporates Asian design principles into his architectural design, blending tradition with innovation.